Russian Rockets to Fly From Equator [View All]

[bin.dare]

After more than six years of trying, the Federal Space Agency, or Roskosmos, finally won approval Wednesday from the European Space Agency, or ESA, for launches of a modern version of its industry workhorse from a strategically located French complex in South America.
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The realization of this project will give Russia the possibility to substantially expand ... the use of the Soyuz rocket launchers in the world market," Roskomos said in a statement.
The two agencies also signed a more general agreement on the joint development of new launch vehicles and reusable rocket engines.

Roskosmos put the cost of the Kourou project, which Russia started negotiating in 1998, at 344 million euros ($447 million.) Most of the money will come from the ESA, while Roskosmos will be responsible for supplying rockets and ground-control infrastructure.
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The manufacturer of the Soyuz-ST, Samara-based TsSKB-Progress, plans to boost production 50 percent this year as global demand grows. The state-owned company plans to assemble a total of 15 Soyuz launch vehicles, including Soyuz-U and Soyuz-FG modifications this year, up from 10 in 2004.
Roskosmos has worked closely with the ESA for years, launching satellites and carrying astronauts to the International Space Station, a program that accounts for the bulk of TsSKB-Progress' business.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2005/01/20/046.html